NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is now seeking feedback on proposals to toll two new state highways in the lower North Island.
Consultation on proposed tolling schemes for Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway, and the Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) new highway opens today and ends at 5pm on Monday 7 October 2024.
NZTA moves into the consultation phase with permission from the Minister of Transport following assessments on each road that showed tolling to be a feasible option.
“Both Te Ahu a Turanga and Ō2NL will be vital transport links in their areas and will provide everyone travelling them with much safer, resilient and efficient routes connecting Wellington and the Kapiti Coast and the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region with other parts of the island, including Hawke’s Bay and Napier Port.
Motorists, in both light and heavy vehicles, will also experience reduced travel times on the highways,” says Linda Stewart, Director of Regional Relationships for Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.
“The funds generated from tolls on these highways would be used to support a range of activities connected to each project, such as planning, design, supervision and construction of the roads, as well as their ongoing maintenance and operations once completed.”
“Tolling is about ensuring our communities have the most efficient, safe and resilient roading network possible.”
Revenue from tolling can provide another funding option for building, maintenance and operations of road infrastructure, reducing reliance on the National Land Transport Fund and protecting existing funding for other investment in the transport system.
All tolled roads are required to have a free alternative. In the case of Te Ahu a Turanga, the alternative routes would be the Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track. For Ō2NL, the alternatives are the current State Highway 1 and State Highway 57.
Consultation on proposed tolling is now open.
Included in the consultation materials made available today is information about each tolling scheme, including the proposed toll rates for light and heavy vehicles, the alternative free routes and information about how tolling funds could be used.
Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway has proposed a rate of $4.30 for light vehicles and $8.60 for heavy vehicles (over 3500kg gross vehicle mass) between Ashhurst and Woodville. This rate would be the same 24-hours a day.
Ōtaki to north of Levin has proposed a rate of $2.70 for light vehicles and $5.40 for heavy vehicles between the southern half interchange to the Tararua Road interchange, which would be the same 24-hours a day. No toll is proposed for the Tararua Road interchange to northern end of Ō2NL.
“Understanding community views is essential for these tolling proposals,” says Ms Stewart.
“We strongly encourage anyone affected or with an interest in the proposed tolls to make a submission. Online forms will be available on the NZTA website, and we will provide paper forms at council buildings and libraries across project areas for those who need them.”
Anyone interested in making a submission or who wants more information about the proposed tolling schemes can visit the following NZTA web pages:
There are 3 new state highway projects in the North Island with tolling proposals being consulted on - Takitimu North Link, in the western Bay of Plenty, is the third project.
Construction on the Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū Tararua Highway, which will replace the old Manawatū Gorge Road, commenced in early 2021. It is a new a 11.5km, 100km/h, four-lane divided highway built over the Ruahine Range, to provide a safe, resilient, and efficient route between Woodville and Ashhurst. The highway is due to be completed in mid-2025.
Ōtaki to north of Levin is a new 24km 4 lane divided highway which is being built to create a safer and more reliable SH1 from Ōtaki to north of Levin. Construction on Ō2NL will commence late 2025 and be completed 2029.
After the public has had an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals, all of the submissions and feedback collected will be summarised, providing insights into the level of community support for the proposed tolling schemes in each region.
The NZTA Board will consider the results of the consultation, and the Board may then recommend tolling to the Minister of Transport. The final decision on whether or not to toll each road rests with Cabinet on the recommendation of the Minister of Transport.
